DOJ launches academic course on Competition and Policy Law

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has brought to the academe its implementation of the new Competition and Policy Law (CPL).

The DOJ Office for Competition has launched the first ever academic course on CPL in the country.

Sec. Leila de Lima said the introductory course is being piloted as an elective subject for law students at the Far Eastern University-De La Salle University’s Master of Business Administration Juris Doctor dual degree program for this semester of academic year 2013 to 2014.

“Consistent with International Competition Network best practices and developed in consultation with global competition experts, this initiative is part of the OFC’s overall strategy to broaden competition advocacy,” the DOJ chief said in a statement.

The curriculum covers the fundamentals of CPL, its benefits, problem areas and salient features of competition laws. It also includes a list of recommended readings and links to relevant sites for further study.

DOJ Asst. Sec. Geronimo Sy, head of OFC, said top notch lecturers —  including international experts, economist and lawyers — have been lined up for the classes that started last May 30.

OFC was created under President Aquino’s Executive Order No. 45, which covers investigation and prosecution of cartels and related charges in markets, especially against oil companies.

The OFC has also been tasked to  look into possible violations of the anti-trust laws.

E.O. 45 was issued to implement constitutional prohibition and regulation on monopolies and cartels among private firms.

Through the OFC, the DOJ is tasked to investigate and prosecute cases involving monopolization, cartels and combinations in restraint of trade, enforce competition policies and laws to protect consumers, supervise competition and implement measures to promote transparency and accountability in markets.

The OFC has the power to commence an investigation, including a fact-finding examination, study or inquiry, upon complaint under oath from any person or motu propio (on its own initiative even without a complaint).